Now, there’s yet another billboard alleging that Christ’s story is a fable — and this time, it’s proudly displayed in New York City’s Time Square.

The new message, which reads, “Keep the Merry! Dump the Myth!,” elevates the controversy that AA typically seeks to ignite by providing an image of Santa with a photo of Jesus suffering on the cross. The “merry” corresponds to the traditional Christmas mascot, with “myth” (in caps) is presented beneath the Christian savior’s picture, clearly in reference to Jesus’ death.

Photo Credit: American Atheists

As is typically the case, representatives from AA have come forward to comment about the billboard, while explaining the organization’s motivations for posting it. Teresa MacBain, who serves as AA’s communications director, said that the holiday season is about “family, friends, and love” and that its beauty has “nothing to do with the gods of yesteryear.”

“Indeed, the season is far more enjoyable without the religious baggage of guilt and judgmentalism,” she added. “Dump the myth and have a happy holiday season.”

David Silverman, president of AA, added his own views on the matter, claiming that a large proportion of Christians are non-believers who are “trapped in their family’s religion.”

Photo Credit: American Atheists

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If you know God is a myth, you do not have to lie and call yourself Christian in order to have a festive holiday season,” Silverman said. “You can be merry without the myth, and indeed, you should.”

While AA would argue that the billboard is intended to inspire atheists to “come out,” others will likely see it as offensive. The message will run through Jan. 10

2 comments:

Is AA Pres. Silverman Jewish? Does that matter? There are a number of Jews who identify as atheist to hide their "former" identity. Gilad Atzmon writes about uncovering such an atheist at a speech he was giving. If Jews are separating myth from fact in OTHER people's religion, but not examining the myth and REAL damage their own religion perpetuates, i.e. the invasion and conquering of Palestine, then there's a real problem here.

I think it does matter. Jews are always very keen atheists. Theey pretend (or believe that they are against all religions, but really it's Christianity they're against. Why? Firstly because they know that thy never do very well in Christian societies and secondly, because they just hate Jesus - the ultimate apostate Jew